Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

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Introduction:

Craving something sweet, zesty, and creamy? This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect treat! With a tangy lemon flavor, creamy cream cheese topping, and a golden-brown finish, this cake is sure to impress at your next gathering. Plus, it’s as easy as “dump and bake”—what’s not to love?

Ingredients:

  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the lemon cake mix, water, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
  4. Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it gently with a spatula.
  6. Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  7. If using, sprinkle fresh blueberries on top of the batter.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Variation:

  1. Fruit Variations
    While this recipe calls for blueberries, feel free to swap them for other fresh fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. Each fruit brings a unique flavor that can add a twist to the traditional lemony freshness. For instance, raspberries will introduce a slight tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake, while strawberries provide a juicier, softer bite. You can even experiment with a mix of different berries to create a vibrant, multi-fruit version of the cake.
  2. Lemon Zest and Juice Intensity
    If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest or lemon juice in the recipe. Adding more zest will enhance the fragrance and provide an extra punch of citrusy flavor, while increasing the lemon juice can make the cake even tangier. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much liquid could affect the texture of the batter.
  3. Alternate Cake Mix Flavors
    While lemon cake mix is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other cake mixes like vanilla or even yellow cake. This will subtly alter the flavor profile of the dessert. A vanilla cake mix would create a more neutral base that allows the lemon cream cheese topping to shine even more. For a more decadent treat, try a butter cake mix for added richness.

Cooking Notes:

  1. If you prefer a bit of extra tang, you can add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for more zesty goodness.
  2. Blueberries are optional but add a beautiful burst of color and sweetness!

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
    Serving this cake warm with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will elevate the dessert. The cool creaminess of the whipped cream or ice cream balances the warmth of the cake, and the smooth texture complements the tangy, creamy cream cheese topping. For extra flair, you could drizzle the top with a bit of lemon curd or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
  2. Top with More Fresh Berries
    For a burst of color and flavor, top the cake with fresh berries. Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries are excellent choices, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the cake. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the berries provide a nice balance to the cake’s zesty lemon flavor, creating a well-rounded dessert.
  3. Pair with a Hot Beverage
    This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. If you’re enjoying it as an afternoon treat, consider serving it alongside a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea. The subtle floral notes of these teas complement the citrusy flavors of the cake. If you prefer coffee, a bold espresso or smooth cappuccino will pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake.

Tips:

  1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
    For the best texture and consistency, always use room temperature ingredients. This is particularly important for the cream cheese and butter. Cold ingredients can cause clumping and uneven mixing, which affects both the flavor and the texture of the cake. Allow the cream cheese and butter to sit out for about 30 minutes before using them.
  2. Adjust Sweetness to Taste
    The amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference. If you like a less sweet dessert, try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup. On the other hand, if you have a sweet tooth, you can increase it by a bit for a more indulgent cream cheese topping.
  3. Make it Ahead for Convenience
    This cake is great for preparing ahead of time. You can make it a day before the event and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave or the oven before serving. This makes it an ideal choice for busy days or when you need a make-ahead dessert.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 230mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free lemon cake mix. Just ensure that all your ingredients, including the cake mix, are certified gluten-free if you need the cake to be completely gluten-free.

  2. Can I use a different fruit instead of blueberries?
    Absolutely! While fresh blueberries add a burst of color and sweetness, you can substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. These fruits will bring a new level of flavor and texture to the cake.

  3. How can I store leftovers?
    After baking, let the cake cool completely and store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If you refrigerate it, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

  4. Can I freeze this cake?
    Yes! This cake can be frozen. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven before enjoying.

Conclusion

The Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect combination of ease and indulgence! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dessert that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, potluck, or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite. It’s as delicious as it is effortless, making it a must-try for any lemon lover. Enjoy each zesty bite and savor the simplicity of this delightful dessert!

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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Craving something sweet, zesty, and creamy? This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect treat! With a tangy lemon flavor, creamy cream cheese topping, and a golden-brown finish, this cake is sure to impress at your next gathering. Plus, it’s as easy as “dump and bake”—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the lemon cake mix, water, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
  4. Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it gently with a spatula.
  6. Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  7. If using, sprinkle fresh blueberries on top of the batter.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

  • If you prefer a bit of extra tang, you can add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for more zesty goodness.
  • Blueberries are optional but add a beautiful burst of color and sweetness!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: lemon, cream cheese, cake, dump cake, dessert, easy baking, fruity cake

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